Library

Small Mammals + Medications & Supplements

  • Ketoconazole is an antifungal given by mouth in the form of a tablet, used off label to treat fungal infections in dogs, cats, small mammals, and reptiles. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, and use severe caution when using in cats or pregnant pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ketoprofen is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It’s use in animals is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Leuprolide is given by injection and is used off label in ferrets and birds to treat reproductive and adrenal problems. Give as directed. Side effects in ferrets may include pain at the injection site, breathing difficulties, and sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other gonadotropin-releasing hormones, and do not use in pregnant or nursing pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

  • Lincomycin is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or similar drugs, in pets with a candida fungal infection, very young pets, or in rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or horses. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

  • Loperamide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat signs of diarrhea. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include constipation, bloat, and sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, that have diarrhea due to an infection or a toxin, or that are positive for the MDR1 gene. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Marbofloxacin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections including leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, and hemoplasmosis. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other quinolones, or in small and medium breed dogs before 8 months of age, in large breed dogs before 12 months of age, in giant breed dogs before 18 months of age, or in cats before 12 months of age. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Meclizine is used off label and given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat and prevent motion sickness and vomiting in dogs, cats, and small mammals. The most common side effect is sedation and sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. It should be used with caution in pets with concurrent prostate enlargement, bladder obstruction, heart failure, certain types glaucoma, or certain gastrointestinal obstructions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Melatonin is given by mouth or as an implant under the skin and is used to treat sleep and behavior disorders, adrenal disease, and non-allergic hair loss, to suppress the heat cycle, and to improve breeding rates. Give as directed. Side effects are not common but may include sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Meloxicam (brand names Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, OroCAM) is given by mouth in the form of a liquid, capsule, or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Metoclopramide is given by mouth or injection and is used off-label to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders, nausea, and vomiting in dogs, cats, and other animals. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitches, drowsiness, and increased urination. Do not use in pets with intestinal blockage or bleeding, pseudopregnancy, pheochromocytoma, or a history of seizures or head trauma. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.